Emigrant Gap, where the Oregon trail leaves the Platte River Drainage. Wyoming

Sandstone artwork along “Avenue of Rocks”, a minor landmark of the O.T..

“Avenue of Rocks”, along the Oregon Trail through Wyoming.

Bone scattered. Oregon Trail east of Prospect Hill.

Heading west along the Oregon Trail west of Prospect Hill Wyoming.

Levida Hileman and her husband. She is the author of the book “In Tar And Paint: The Inscriptions at Independence Rock and Devils Gate”. It details the history behind many of the 800 plus inscriptions on Independence Rock. They were driving this section of the Oregon trail and stopped to talk for a long while.

Independence rock reflected in Lake Playa. There are over 800 emigrant signatures carved into Independence Rock. It got it’s name because the emigrants hoped to reach the rock by 4th of July to ensure snow free travel over the Blue and Cascade Mountains later in their journey.

Lake Playa. Across from Independence Rock. Wyoming.

Emigrant signature in Independence Rock appropriatly etched on July 4th 1850. There are over 800 emigrant signitures carved into Independence Rock. It got it’s name because the emigrants hoped to reach the rock by 4th of July to ensure snow free travel over the Blue and Cascade Mountains later in the journey.

Martin’s Cove, location where the Martin’s Handcart Company sought shelter from a blizzard on October 19, 1856.